Great company, generous hospitality and a shared love of racing. That was the mood at the Thoroughbred Breeders NSW Awards lunch, held at Royal Randwick on Spring Champion Stakes Day (24 October). Breeders, sponsors and supporters came together to celebrate and recognise the achievements of the people and the horses behind our state’s industry.
The 2026 TBNSW Award winners:
Champion Broodmare: Via Africa
Sponsored by Baumgartners, represented by Paul Carazzo, and accepted by Hamish Esplin on behalf of Newhaven Park.
Champion Broodmare Sire: Fastnet Rock
Sponsored by IRT, represented by Ed Fiddes, and accepted by Colm Santry of Coolmore Australia.
Champion First Season Sire: Home Affairs
Sponsored by Horsepower Feeds and Supplements, represented by Stephen Lamb, and accepted by Paddy Power of Coolmore Australia.
Champion Sire 2yos: Snitzel
Sponsored by the Australian Turf Club, represented by Caroline Searcy, and accepted by Alison Brassil of Arrowfield Stud.
Champion Sire: Snitzel
Sponsored by Howden Equine Australia, represented by Stu Doughty, and accepted by Alison Brassil of Arrowfield Stud.
President’s Award, Breeder of the Year: Rob Manwaring, recognised for the season performance of Headley Grange
Sponsored by TBNSW, represented by Hamish Esplin, and accepted by Rob Manwaring.
Congratulations to all award winners and connections. TBNSW extends its sincere thanks to the sponsors, representatives, farms and recipients whose contributions continue to strengthen and celebrate the industry.
Awards Day Auction boosts National Thoroughbred Week
National Thoroughbred Week has received a significant boost, with the Awards Day Auction raising $6,880 to support the initiative. The result was achieved through generous bidding on a collection of racing, hospitality and lifestyle experiences. Thank you to Wil Gardner and Sebastian Hutch from Inglis for donating their expertise in leading the auction.
Leading results included:
*$2,800 for the Magic Millions Raceday accommodation and hospitality package
*$1,600 for the Coolmore Australia stud stay
*$1,120 for an Australian Turf Club dining package for four
Other successful lots included a Silverdale Farm luxury picnic package, a Vinery Stud Royal Randwick suite experience and Australian Turf Club members’ tickets.
TBNSW would like to thank the prize donors, bidders and supporters whose contributions made the fundraising result possible.
